Crème de la crème of personalities, products, entertainment and collectibles from West and East in a three-day, action-packed extravaganza

Singapore, 10 December 2010 – This year’s Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention (STGCC) is power-packed with top-line content from both East and West, bringing together personalities, entertainment and products in a three-day, unique east meets west extravaganza. The show, which is into its third year, will showcase first-time participation from world-class names in pop culture, with something for everyone in comics, anime, manga, toys and games. Top gamers from around the region will participate in the Online SEA Games 2010, a battle-to-the-death series of thrilling gaming tournaments organised by Asiasoft Online.

West Meets East

STGCC 2010 organisers, Reed Exhibitions, has taken “the best of our US show ‘New York Comic Con’ and infused it with an eastern flavour.” STGCC features a strong line-up of panels showcasing 26 guests from 12 countries. Marvel will make its first appearance in Asia and will be reviewing artists’ portfolios. Lucasfilm Singapore will helm two exciting panels on the art of the Clone Wars and divulge secrets on the making of Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 2. In addition, Lucasfilm will be recruiting during the first two days of STGCC at designated times.

The Marvel entourage comprises celebrated writers and famed illustrators known for their work on Marvel’s most beloved super heroes like Spider-Man, X-Men, Iron Man, The Avengers, Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, Daredevil and Thor.

A total of 50 budding artists will showcase their creations at Artist Alley from Southeast Asia. Product launches will include manga Karneval (world’s first English version), Naruto, toys like the special 7” Domo Qee and The Winged Tiger in Singapore, a comics collaboration between the ‘Godfather of the American Graphic Novel’, Phil Yeh and Singaporean artist and co-author, He Shuxin.

Fans can expect a line-up of activities that will immerse them in a total pop culture experience at STGCC. They can get the thrills with action professionals in live stunts, watch artists at work, get tips from writers and illustrators on the finer points of their art, buy gifts and souvenirs based on their favourite characters (yes, it’s Christmas!) or even get talent-spotted!

Live performances!

Adding to the live action buzz is a special performance by Japanese all-girl pop sensation AKB48. 12 of the girls will also be performing their latest song, Chance no Junban, which debuted in Japan on 8 December 2010 and meeting their fans at a special closed-door session. Be thrilled by “live” stunt performances by Team J Phillips, re-enacting iconic scenes from The Matrix and Kung-Fu Panda without wires or rigging and be absorbed in cosplay fashion shows by Merveilleux Boutique and Haru House.

Sneak peeks!

Be among the first to preview screenings including the Scream Awards 2010 (ahead of the Sony Pictures Entertainment network-wide simultaneous broadcast on 19 December 2010) and one of 2010’s most anticipated anime, Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan presented by Animax. There will be two other sneak peeks – Cartoon Network’s Asian premiere of Generator Rex and Iconix Korea’s Pororo, which are popular hits with children.

Collectibles and Limited Editions!

Exclusive collectibles will also be up for grabs at STGCC. Some of the biggest toy designers and comic houses will be launching new-fangled toys and limited-edition memorabilia. In addition, be sure to get a complimentary souvenir of Marvel Comics’ full-colour poster of its iconic superheroes namely Spider-Man, Thor, Captain America and Iron Man.

Graphic novel enthusiasts are also in for a treat with the limited-edition V for Vendetta Absolute Edition Hardcover Graphic Novel (presented by G&B Comics) while toy lovers can get their hands on special-design Trexis and Dooodolls Costume Party 10’’ Special Edition.

Autographs!

Fans will have the incredible chance to have their toys and comics autographed by the creators themselves. Besides comics writers and illustrators from Marvel Comics, and DC Comics’ Ivan Brandon and Gail Simone, V for Vendetta’s David Lloyd, Tokidoki’s Simone Legno, Da TeamBronx’s Tim Tsui and DevilRobots’ Koto Nishiyama and Shinichiro Kitai will be present and signing their works at the Walk of Fame, which is a special section of scheduled meetings for fans to meet and interact with their favourite pop culture authors, illustrators and creators.

Aspiring artists looking for their big break will not want to miss a meeting with Marvel Comics’ international talent scout, C.B. Cebulski. Renowned worldwide for his ability to discover top talent, he will be reviewing portfolios and dishing out tips on catching the discerning eye of talent scouts. Cebulski will also be giving an inside look into the world of Marvel and what it takes to the next comics superstar at his panel, Marvel’s Hunt for Talent.

Get tips from world-class experts!

Marvel Comics and Lucasfilm Singapore will also be presenting panels for the first time in Asia at STGCC. Comics buffs will hear first-hand from Marvel writers and artists their inspirations, latest projects in panels and intimate conversations over the first two days of STGCC.

Lucasfilm Singapore will present two panels – from Industrial Light & Magic Singapore – Iron Man 2: An insider’s treat on the movie’s visual effects and from Lucasfilm Animation – The Clone Wars: Pushing the envelope for TV. They will be delivered by an international suite of Lucasfilm artists who will give a rare insight into the highly-regarded expertise and artistry synonymous with Lucasfilm Singapore.

This year’s STGCC will have a total of 37 product launches, including comics, limited-edition toys and merchandise, and features over 100 exhibitors and 50 upcoming artists from 12 countries.

“Putting together a convention like STGCC which brings artists, writers, illustrators, and designers of such high calibre to Asia has been an exceptional experience. And I believe our fans will feel the same way over the next three days as they come up close and personal with the very people who breathe life into our favourite comics and toys. We also made sure there are lots of coveted collectibles for our fans to take home and enjoy,” says Project Director of STGCC 2010 Ms Yeow Hui Leng.

The first-time ticketed event is expected to draw 45,000 visitors including toy designers, comic creators, illustrators, game developers, publishers and fans from Asia. STGCC 2010 is co-produced by Reed Exhibitions Singapore and US-based ReedPOP, the team behind international events including the New York Comic Con, New York Anime Festival, and Star Wars Celebration.

The show is open to the public from Friday, 10 Dec to Sunday, 12 Dec. (Please refer to fact sheet for opening hours) Tickets are priced at $15.00 for a 1-Day pass and $25.00 for a 3-Day pass (inclusive of 7% GST and handling fees). For more information on STGCC, visit www.singaporetgcc.com.

ABOUT REED EXHIBITIONS

Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events organizer, with over 440 events in 36 countries. In 2009 Reed brought together over six million active event participants from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and organized by 35 fully staffed offices.

Working closely with professional bodies, trade associations and government departments Reed ensures that each and every event is targeted and relevant to industry needs. As a result, many Reed events are market leaders in their field.

Reed Exhibitions is part of Reed Elsevier Group plc, a FTSE-100 company and world-leading publisher and information provider. In 2009, Reed Elsevier made an adjusted profit before taxation of £1,279 million on turnover of £6,071 million.

ABOUT SINGAPORE TOY, GAMES & COMIC CONVENTION

The Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention combines the best of pop culture from East and West to Asia, uniting the worlds of comics, anime, toys, collectibles and games. It is the pre-eminent event in the Asian market that fits with other shows in the Reed pop culture portfolio, including New York Comic Con (NYCC), the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Star Wars Celebration and New York Anime Festival.

STGCC will reach out to a whole new world of fans in Asia and opens a vast market with exciting opportunities for companies to break into the Asian market and/or reinforce a growing presence. Fans will experience a showcase of pop culture’s coolest and latest products, and be thrilled by personalities and characters from the worlds of superheroes, villains and realms of fantasy.

STGCC takes place alongside the Asia Television Forum (ATF) which runs from December 8 to 10. ATF is Asia’s leading content market, where international TV content sellers meet Asia’s broadcasting industry. This pairing presents unprecedented business opportunities for trade and consumer audiences.

STGCC’s vision is to deliver quality content and spread the currency of cool in Asia and aims to be the leading catalyst for the pop culture industry.